Arsenal Summer Target Officially Completes Transfer

Arsenal target Antonio Rudiger has been snapped up by Roma [Picture: Getty Images]

AS Roma have beaten Arsenal and Chelsea to the signing of Stuttgart centre-back Antonio Rudiger on a season-long loan deal.

Arsenal and Chelsea where initially linked to the centre-back, with reports claiming the Blues where leading the race to sign him after Jose Mourinho was reportedly willing to offer £20million to seal the deal, according to the Express.

But Chelsea have seemingly turned their attention to John Stones, allowing Roma to move ahead and capture Rudiger on a loan deal with an option to buy for £6million at the end of the season.

The 22-year-old star who has just two years left on his contract at the Mercedes-Benz Arena expressed his delight at the move.

He told Roma TV: “I’m absolutely delighted to be able to wear the Roma jersey. I’ve come here to win titles, to win the Scudetto.

“Iwould like to thank all the Roma fans and promise them that I will give everything for this club.”

Arsenal have been credited with an interest in signing Rudiger this summer, but the Gunners have been beaten to the player’s signature, with the club more focused on finding a striker.

The Germany international star has made 66 league appearances for Stuttgart since joining from Borussia Dortmund as a youngster in 2011, and has also been capped 6 times by Germany.